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    LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN

    4.5 (325 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN Takeout or Delivery

    LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN Photos

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    LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN

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    Exterior
    Tyanna M.

    We stopped in here the other day sort of between lunch and dinner. The place had a very homey, comforting feel to it. The menu had plenty to choose from so it took us a little bit to make up our mind but it all worked out great in the end. We ordered the cold appetizer plate for 2 to share and on the plate was baba ganoush, hummus, a couple stuffed grape leaves, a few carrots, lebne, acili ezme, and a nice warm basket of bread. This was an excellent way to start our meal and we also ordered a couple of cocktails, I had the cosmo and my cousin had the sidecar made with brandy. We would both order those cocktails again. For our main dishes my cousin ordered the mixed grill and I had Lahmacun which was a Kurdish style pizza with lamb. We liked both dishes. I did want to order something for dessert they had a few choices but they only had baklava and that's not what I was interested in. This was the only fault of the restaurant everything else was perfect. We already decided we would go back again.

    Chicken Adana Kebab Lunch Zucchini Pancake Lunch
    Tracy Y.

    The food was very tasty and the restaurant had a nice ambience. Our waiter was very friendly and took care of every need, although the service was very slow.

    Kisir
    Josh W.

    I'd been quite curious about this little spot for a bit but never got the chance to try it... Until recently when I convinced the boss to check it out with me for lunch. Definitely glad I did because we both really enjoyed it. For lunch, it was a little pricey, but you absolutely got what you paid for. We went on a Thursday for lunch. It wasn't too busy but they did have some carryout business going on. The place itself seems tiny from the outside, but they do have a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu has a lot of unique options ranging from gyros, kebabs, sautéed dishes, soups, salads, and tasty shareables. We started out with some pita bread and kisir. It had a very unique taste that neither of us could stop eating. As for our main entrees, he got a gyro with a side of lentil soup, and I opted for the sautéed lamb special. Right after we ordered, their head chef came out to meet us, and offered a special lamb leg that she'd just finished cooking instead of their usual dish. I'm always up for trying new things so I said sure. She was very friendly and inviting. We hardly waited long at all before everything was ready. My boss's gyro was HUGE and loaded with meat. My lamb was phenomenal and the meat was so tender that it fell right off the bone. My dish was so big that I could only finish about half, but I'm definitely a meal prepper, so I saved the rest for lunch just yesterday (it held up amazingly well). After we finished what we could, their chef came out and offered us some Turkish tea and talked to us about the tradition of serving tea after a meal. She said it gives people a reason to stay and talk more and create lasting bonds of friendship. The tea itself was very tasty too. I really enjoyed everything about this spot. I could absolutely see going here again, but of course, with my babe instead of my boss.

    Stuffed Grape Leaves
    Michelle D.

    I had dinner here with family on Sunday evening. There were five of us but they weren't busy so we were sat immediately. We ordered the Hummus and the Stuffed Grape Leaves for appetizers. The hummus was delicious! As were the breads and dipping oil that were served with it. The buns were especially yummy and everyone liked them. The dipping oil was also really good! The stuffed grape leaves were ok. They kind of had a bitter, canned taste -like they weren't fresh made. For our entrees there were two orders of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, two orders of Chicken Kebabs and one order of Kofte Kebab. I think everyone liked their entrees for the most part. I didn't care for the cabbage rolls here. Just a personal taste. They were very heavy handed on a certain spice. Paprika? Aleppo? I'm not sure but you could see it very heavy on the inside and it overpowered the dish. My husband didn't notice it until the next day, when he warmed up both of our leftovers for his lunch. He had a beer that evening and I guess it diluted the flavor.The next day didn't care as much for them either. The same complaint. While we thought most of the food was pretty good and the service was too - it's a bit overpriced. We would definitely return to try more of the menu.

    Shelli J.

    This is my favorite Cincinnati Mediterranean restaurant. The food is great! The service has been on point.

    Dinner was served.
    Tracey W.

    I had the blessed opportunity to meet the owners of LEYLA and enjoy a meal with them. The meal was by far, one of the best I have had in my life. From the grilled vegetables, lamb and chicken to the hummus, grape leaves, and babaganoush (which I rarely go for), everything was fresh and perfectly prepared. I could taste the love in every single bite. I must also add, the BAKLAVA is world class. It was lighter than others I have tasted and I swear was in honey and pistachio heaven. For me, service is king and LEYLA delivered greatly in this area as well. I highly recommend. And plan to return but next time, with friends. Dine local, support small business, support minority-owned business. And be kind and patient as many are short staffed at this time.

    Okra Stew with Lamb
    Shannon M.

    This place is absolutely AMAZING!! I kept stopping and staring in disbelief of how delicious everything was! I was not impressed the first time I had baklava at a different restaurant, but the baklava here is incredible. The borek was mind blowing, and the stew was also delicious. I can't wait to come back here with friends so they can enjoy it too! The service was also great. Emma is very kind and congenial, and remembers the regulars and asks how they're doing. She made dining here a very enjoyable experience.

    Shish kebab

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Lived in Istanbul for years and love Turkish food! Love the service there; the prices are a little high.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food was delicious and owner is super friendly. I will go back again and again. Their chicken was very tasty and moist.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Babaganosh is the best anywhere and everything is amazing. Do it tapas style and bring a party because you need to try everything.

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Place looked OK, the people were nice, the food wasn't good. Cold, weird, poorly seasoned

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food is delicious and they have great service. We usually get family style carry out; everyone loves it!

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The food is so fresh and amazing! Beautiful outdoor seating right in anderson town center that you would never know was there!

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    5 years ago

    Amazing food and wonderful staff. They treat us like family. So lucky to have this gem so close to home.

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    Page 3 of 9

    LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN

    Abigail Street - Peach, tomato, mozzarella salad

    Abigail Street

    4.5(579 reviews)
    9.1 miOver-the-Rhine
    $$$

    My favorite restaurant in Cincinnati! A must try if you're visiting or in town. My go to for…read morespecial celebratory dinners. Food: 5/5 Dishes are explained as slightly larger plates than tapas style. My favorites: Wood Grilled Octopus, Crispy Falafel, Bouillabaisse. Love the Moroccan Mint Tea as well! Service: 4.7/5 Very friendly! They course out your plates for you which I always love. They were able to accommodate my pescatarian diet (I.e., meats on the side to give to others at the table). On a less busy night, they offered a free toast for my birthday. I've been for other celebratory dinners here on busier nights where that hasn't happened, so it was a lovely surprise! Ambiance: 4/5 A little busy and can get loud on the weekends with table chatter, cutlery clinks, and the brick walls echoing noise around. Tables are also close together, so you can definitely hear the conversation next to you. The decor is pleasant and the lighting is soft and romantic enough that it is still a perfect date night spot! There are also a couple larger crescent booths for larger parties.

    My husband I were visiting Cincinnati on vacation and found this place based on online reviews. We…read moretypically like small plates, bar seating and a lively scene where we can interact with others. This place hit all the boxes. We were able to score bar seats without a reservation and had a nice time here. Parking - we ubered here, it looks like they had street parking but that might have been more tricky. We tried: Octopus - great, a tad salty Gambas - my husband enjoyed this Salmon - I especially liked the crunchy chickpeas Chenin Blanc Normandia White Blend Neon Lights (cocktail) - not my favorite Rosé - amazing, a great porch pounder. (Muga Rose, Spain)

    Photos
    Abigail Street - Tall ceiling makes the place very inviting

    Tall ceiling makes the place very inviting

    Abigail Street - Bouillabaisse, Gnocchi

    Bouillabaisse, Gnocchi

    Abigail Street - Wood grilled octopus - only 1 tentacle. The fried chick peas are really good. Overall it was too spicy to for me.

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    Wood grilled octopus - only 1 tentacle. The fried chick peas are really good. Overall it was too spicy to for me.

    Phoenician Taverna - Taverna Falafel

    Phoenician Taverna

    4.6(503 reviews)
    17.4 mi
    $$

    I used to live in Mason, about 2 miles north of Phoenician Taverna. First time there was for a late…read morelunch. After a Great Clips haircut, on the recommendation of the stylist, I tried it out, was very impressed. Been there many times since, never been disappointed. I've since moved to Liberty Twp. but the Phoenician still beckons. Had dinner last night there with my wife. It was a wonderful experience. I felt it was high time I wrote them up. We started with an excellent double-hop IPA and a great Lebanese red wine, I think it was called Kefraya. Gonna seek it out locally, maybe at Jungle Jim's. As always, the pita bread is fresh, oven-hot and delectable. The shankleen appetizer is outstanding, a lovely fusion of greens, lentils, feta cheese, olive oil and spices. Wife ordered schwirma - slow-grilled combo of sliced chicken alongside sliced beef and lamb. The waiter obligingly substituted a side of couscous for rice, no extra charge. I had a braised shank of lamb in a rich tomato sauce. Both entrees were delicious. As always, the portions were very generous, so we took food home along with complimentary fresh pita bread. Besides the great food, the service is superb. The owner makes a point of stopping at each table to ensure that the diners are happy. We look forward to our next visit.

    My best friend wanted to take me to Phoenician Taverna for the longest time. She raves about this…read moreplace and been coming here for years. Finally she made reservations for Saturday evening (it is recommended because they get super busy). We got there and was greeted by the owner. BTW, was very down to earth. So their menu looked good (Lebanese food). There is so much to choose from and hard to decide. I especially loved their drink menu, especially wines. We ended up ordering: Appetizers: Baba ghannouge M'hammara Taverna falafel Dinner: Shawarma chicken Kebab mixed grill Drinks: Chateau kefraya, Les Bretches Almaza Pilsner My favorite from the appetizers is the eggplant and falafel! Super fresh and the bread that came with it was so good. Even the dipping sauce was amazing. My Shawarma chicken was super delish. You have to put the garlic butter on the rice! It gives it great flavor. My Mr enjoyed his meal as well. We definitely had to get a to go box because there was so much food. But we will look forward the next day to eat it. Overall, the service was great and I loved the experience. We can see ourselves coming back for more! I can see why my best friend loves it here! Highly recommend you try it.

    Photos
    Phoenician Taverna - More seating and the ope kitchen.

    More seating and the ope kitchen.

    Phoenician Taverna - Kafta Djaj--chicken kafte, another home-run special

    Kafta Djaj--chicken kafte, another home-run special

    Phoenician Taverna - Open bar seating

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    Open bar seating

    LEYLA MEDITERRANEAN - mediterranean - Updated August 2026

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